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Prairie City Council approves two hires, water-main contract amendment and accepts $17,000 in liquidated damages
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Prairie City Council unanimously approved hiring a full-time police officer and a public works employee, authorized pump repairs and a contract amendment with Wynn Company for the Phase 2 water-main project, and accepted $17,000 in liquidated damages from the contractor.
The Prairie City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved two new hires, authorized repairs at the water plant and amended the Phase 2 water-main construction contract with Wynn Company, LLC, accepting $17,000 in liquidated damages while retaining a four-year system warranty.
Mayor Phil Holland called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and read written correspondence expressing parking concerns on Norris Street during the public-comment portion. After roll call confirmed Council Members Derek Ingle, Beth James and Darrin Telfer in the chamber and Pam St. John joining by Zoom, the council approved the agenda and a consent package that included a resolution approving bills and transfers.
The council voted 4-0 to hire Garrett Carlson as a full-time police officer, effective Jan. 19, 2026, at an hourly rate of $31.00 and to reimburse academy costs of $6,681.24 paid by Mitchellville. Council also approved hiring Jacob Nolin as a Public Works Employee 2 at $34.00 per hour and to credit his prior 2.5 years of service with the city for vacation-earning purposes. Both motions were moved by Derek Ingle and seconded by Beth James and passed unanimously.
On facilities and maintenance, Pam St. John moved and Beth James seconded approval of a quote from Electric Pump for pump repairs at the water plant in the amount of $7,626.98; that motion also passed unanimously. Public Works Superintendent Harry Brannen had told the council the wastewater pump is not covered under warranty because of its use in the wastewater treatment process, and city staff are working with a Des Moines firm to address issues with the grit classifier and spiral screen.
On the Phase 2 Water Main Project, the council approved Resolution 1-14-26-4 to amend the construction contract with Wynn Company, LLC and agreed to release retainage and warranty items conditional on review by the city attorney. Separately, the council accepted $17,000 in liquidated damages from Wynn Company while retaining a four-year warranty on the system; the action passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. Council discussed Phase 3 contract dates, the start of a Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) survey and a Community Development Block Grant application but took no formal action on those items.
In a closed-session segment held under Iowa Code §21.5(1)(i), the council met beginning at 7:49 p.m. and reopened open session at 7:57 p.m. After returning to open session, the council instructed the city attorney to settle a municipal-violation case involving Robert Adamson at 410 N Park for $600.00; the motion was approved unanimously.
Assistant EMS Director Kelli Clymer reported department activity for December (10 calls, three billable, six refusals) and summarized 2025 totals (152 calls, 38 unbillable, and 28 calls with no crew available); she also noted ongoing ambulance issues with backup lights and the camera. Other routine departmental updates from the police and library were provided and referenced in meeting packet materials.
The council set future agenda topics including Norris Street parking and water-billing issues and adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
